Civil Compromise in Hit and Run Cases
I've done a lot of hit-and-run cases over the last twenty-five years throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. It's unfortunate because many people – if they had just stayed there and exchanged information – wouldn't have a crime against them. You just put yourself in the wrong position when you do that.
Assuming you have a hit and run case, these are strategies, and I've gotten some excellent results over the years. One of the first results that I'll try to get is if it's a legitimate hit and runs – in other words, they have the evidence that shows my client was involved in a crash and run if they don't have that, we'll get the case dismissed.
But, if they have the information, that has to do with you not turning over your information to the other party after an accident and leaving the scene of the crime. So, we'll try to get what's called a “civil compromise,” where we get the other party to sign a document saying that they don't want you prosecuted, and basically if they sign that document and we give it to the prosecutors. The prosecutors agree, and the hit-and-run case will be dismissed as part of the civil compromise.
This means you worked things out with the other party. That's one good strategy with a great result because you end up with no conviction, no mark on your record, and you can move on with your life.
Diversion Strategy to Avoid Hit and Run Conviction
There are other strategies. There are diversionary strategies, where you basically would plead to something, then we put the case over for some time, have you do some community service, and then end up getting the case dismissed. A lot of this centers around you, making the victim whole. In other words, if you get in an accident and you have insurance, and the insurance company covers it, that would make the victim whole, and then you would be in a position where you could have that hit and run off of your record.
If you don't have insurance, you're going to have to pay the money. You're going to be ordered to pay it either way. But paying it quickly or paying it upfront is a good strategy in a hit and run case.
Consult with an Experienced Criminal Law Firm
So, if you have one of these cases, set up a face-to-face meeting with our criminal lawyers. We'll sit down and go over everything. We get a lot of great results in the hit-and-run cases. Another thing that I see a lot is people with hit-and-run warrants in the system.
If you have this scenario, get in immediately. We can get the warrant out of the system, usually, within days, get yourself is taken care of for you, and then you don't' have to worry about it anymore or be looking over your shoulder. Get the warrant out of the system and get out of the criminal justice system as fast as humanly possible.
I've done a lot of hits and run cases over many years, and a lot of times, it's not as bad as it seems. Some different strategies and angles can be employed to your benefit on these hit-and-run cases so you can get out of the system as fast as possible and get your matter dismissed.
See Related:
How a Prosecutor Proves a Hit and Run Case
Hit and Run Defense in the San Fernando Valley
